A letter to Santa Clara County from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) called the Reid-Hillview Airport in San Jose a "crucial asset," strongly opposing its possible closure.
The county's supervisors last year passed a vote that would enable officials to shutter the airport that's unpopular with neighbors.
In the vote, the Board of Supervisors decided against accepting further federal funding past their current obligations, which means the airport could close as soon as 2031.
Neighbors have long complained about the noise, although the facility pre-dates the nearby housing and mall, which was once farmland.
Some suggest the airport would better serve the community with affordable housing. But pilots, including Richard Russell, told KCBS Radio that it's a great little airport and should continue its use.
"It's a great airport for general aviation," Russel says. "I'd like to see it stay open for the long-term, take the funding and keep improving it."
The closest general aviation airport is in San Martin.





